Lilium spp. bulbs are traditionally valued for their medicinal properties, yet their phytochemical profile and biomedical potential remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dermatocosmetic potential of ethanolic macerates from five Lilium spp. cultivars. Bulb macerates were obtained using 70% and 96% ethanol and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannins (CTC), mineral composition, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). Spectroscopic (FTIR) and antimicrobial analyses were also performed. Macerates from Lilium “Dark Secret” (LD-70) and Lilium asiaticum “White” (LA-70) exhibited the highest levels of TPC (225 and 162.5 mg GAE/100 g f.w.), TFC (26.12 and 21.75 mg QE/100 g f.w.), and antioxidant activity (81.5 and 58.75 mg GAE/100 g f.w.). FTIR confirmed the phenolic composition, while mineral analysis revealed a high potassium content and negligible toxic metals. Selective antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, particularly for LD-70 and LA-70 macerates. Based on these findings, stable hydrogel formulations incorporating LD-70 and LA-70 were developed, showing favorable pH, rheology, and sustained antioxidant activity over 60 days. These findings support the integration of Lilium-derived macerates into dermatocosmetic formulations targeting skin protection and microbial defense.

Background: Adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage marked by physiological and behavioral changes that significantly influence dietary habits and long-term health outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the associations between socio-demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and dietary behaviors among school-aged children and adolescents in Romania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire completed by 662 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, enrolled in primary, middle, and high schools across urban and rural areas. The questionnaire evaluated nutritional intake, meal patterns, hydration habits, physical activity, screen time, and psychological factors such as fatigue, stress, and mood fluctuations. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on self-reported height and weight. Results: The analysis reveals significant gender differences in body mass index (BMI), weight-loss behaviors, and family structure. Female adolescents were more likely to be underweight (18.27%) compared to male adolescents (10.82%), while overweight prevalence was higher among male adolescents (18.66%) than female adolescents (11.68%) (χ² = 11.457, p = 0.009). Dietary patterns varied significantly across age groups, with high-school-aged children demonstrating lower vegetable consumption and increased autonomy over food choices. Primary school children exhibited higher intake of carbonated beverages (OR = 0.185, p = 0.002 for high school; OR = 0.116, p < 0.001 for middle school), whereas teenagers showed a preference for structured meals and lower fast-food intake. Meat consumption frequency correlated with greater diversity in protein sources (χ² = 48.77, p < 0.001), while chaotic eating behaviors were more prevalent among middle and high-school-aged children (OR = 2.291, p = 0.032 for middle school; OR = 2.225, p = 0.030 for high school). Hydration habits played an essential role in dietary quality, with school-age children consuming ≥ 3 L of water daily exhibiting healthier eating patterns (OR = 7.146, p = 0.001). Additionally, psychological factors such as fatigue and stress were significantly associated with unhealthy dietary choice. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional education, school-based interventions, and family-focused strategies to improve adolescent health behaviors.

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a pivotal stage marked by physiological and behavioral shifts that shape dietary habits and health outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 662 questionnaire responses to explore associations between socio-demographic variables, dietary behaviors, and health practices among school-aged children and adolescents. Results: The analysis reveals significant gender differences in body mass index (BMI), weight-loss behaviors, and family structure. Female adolescents were more likely to be underweight (18.27%) compared to male adolescents (10.82%), while overweight prevalence was higher among male adolescents (18.66%) than female adolescents (11.68%) (χ² = 11.457, p = 0.009). Dietary patterns varied significantly across age groups, with high school-aged children demonstrating lower vegetable consumption and increased autonomy over food choices. Primary school children exhibited higher intake of carbonated beverages (OR = 0.185, p = 0.002 for high school; OR = 0.116, p < 0.001 for middle school), whereas teenagers showed a preference for structured meals and lower fast-food intake. Meat consumption frequency correlated with greater diversity in protein sources (χ² = 48.77, p < 0.001), while chaotic eating behaviors were more prevalent among middle and high school-aged children (OR = 2.291, p = 0.032 for middle school; OR = 2.225, p = 0.030 for high school). Hydration habits played an essential role in dietary quality, with school-age children consuming ≥3 liters of water daily exhibiting healthier eating patterns (OR = 7.146, p = 0.001). Additionally, psychological factors such as fatigue and stress were significantly associated with unhealthy dietary choice. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional education, school-based interventions, and family-focused strategies to improve adolescent health behaviors.

This study provides a comparative chemical and antioxidant characterization of two Arabica coffee varieties, one originating from the Dominican Republic and one processed as a multicomponent blend in Romania. Qualitative analyses confirmed the presence of alkaloids and caffeine in all samples. Spectrophotometric determinations revealed that hot-water infusions exhibited higher total polyphenol and flavonoid contents compared to cold-brew extracts. Heavy-metal analysis indicated low levels of cadmium and lead, demonstrating satisfactory sanitary quality. Antioxidant evaluation showed strong radical-scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (88.11–88.98%) with minimal variation between extraction methods. In contrast, the FRAP assay highlighted significant differences influenced by both geographical origin and extraction technique, with reducing capacities ranging from 868 to 1062 μmol Fe²⁺/g. These findings underline the substantial antioxidant potential of Arabica coffee and emphasize the combined role of origin-dependent phytochemical variability and extraction parameters in determining its functional properties.

Romanian truffles, like all truffles, are highly sought after for their unique taste and nutritional value. The chemical composition of these valuable mushrooms is strongly influenced by the environment in which they grow. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out a physico-chemical analysis of macerates derived from the Romanian species Tuber magnatum, with the intention of exploring their potential applications in the pharmaceutical field. For this purpose, fresh truffles were collected and later used to obtain maceration using different solvents: deionized water (TA), ethanol 70% (TE70), 96% (TE96) and methanol (TM) to determine the optimal solvent for extraction. The macerates were analyzed by spectrophotometric methods to identify and quantify the main bioactive compounds (polyphenols - TPC and flavonoids - TFC) and 2 methods were used to evaluate their antioxidant properties: the free radical scavenging method (DPPH) and the iron reducing power ferric. antioxidant (FRAP analysis). TPC quantification by spectrophotometric method showed a maximum value for the TA sample (1354.34 mg GAE/100 g d.w.), and TFC for the methanolic extract TM where a value of 198.20 mg RE/100 g d.w. was obtained. The DPPH assay revealed the highest antioxidant activity in the aqueous macerate of Tuber magnatum (490.32 mg GAE/100g d.w.), followed by extracts with 70% ethanol, methanol, and 96% ethanol. In FRAP spectrophotometry analysis, TA macerate exhibited the most significant ferric reducing capacity, measuring at 4.17 µM Fe²⁺/g d.w. The results from the metal analysis using GF-AAS and FAAS spectrophotometric methods revealed that Pb and Ni were below the detection limit, while Cd levels complied with current regulatory standards. Additionally, beneficial concentrations of Ca, K and Na were detected, indicating positive health and skin benefits.

Lilium spp. bulbs are traditionally valued for their medicinal properties, yet their phytochemical profile and biomedical potential remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dermatocosmetic potential of ethanolic extracts from five Lilium cultivars. Bulb macerates were obtained using 70% and 96% ethanol and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannins (CTC), mineral composition, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). Spectroscopic (FTIR) and antimicrobial analyses were also performed. Macerates from Lilium “Dark Secret” (LD-70) and Lilium asiaticum “White” (LA-70) exhibited the highest levels of TPC (225 and 162.5 mg GAE/100 g f.w.), TFC (26.12 and 21.75 mg QE/100 g f.w.), and antioxidant activity (81.5 and 58.75 mg GAE/100 g f.w.). FTIR confirmed the phenolic composition, while mineral analysis revealed a high potassium content and negligible toxic metals. Selective antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, particularly for LD-70 and LA-70 macerates. Based on these findings, stable hydrogel formulations incorporating LD-70 and LA-70 were developed, showing favorable pH, rheology, and sustained antioxidant activity over 60 days. These findings support the integration of Lilium-derived macerates into dermatocosmetic formulations targeting skin protection and microbial defense.